SPEECH
OF THE
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,
TO
BOTH HOUSES OF CONGRESS
Fellow Citizens of the Senate, and of the
House q*f Representatives,
I MEET you, upon the present occasion, with the feelings which
arc naturally inspired by a strong imprefiion ps the prosperous
Jituation of our common country, and by a persuasion equally
itrong that the labors of the session, which has just commenced,
will, under the guidance of a spirit no less prudent than pat * iotic,
i/Tue in measures, conducive to the liability and increase of national
prosperity.
Numerous as are the providential bleflings which demand our
grateful acknowledgments—the abundance with which another
year has again rewarded thV industry of the husbandman is too im
portant to escape recollc6lion.
Your own observations, in your refpe&ive situations, will have
fatisfied you of the progreflive state of agriculture, manufa&ures,
commerce and navigation: In tracing their causes, you will have
remarked, with particular pleasure, the happy effects of that re
vival of confidence, public as well as private, to which the consti
tution and laws of the United States have so eminently contribut
ed : And you will have observed, with no less iutereft, new and
decisive proofs of the encreafing reputation and credit of the na
tion. But you nevertheless cannot fail to derive fatisfa&ion from
the confirmation of these circumstances, which will be disclosed,
in the federal official communications, that will be made to you in
the course of your deliberations.
The rapid subscriptions to the Bank of the United States, which
completed the sum allowed to be fubferibed, in a Angle day, is
among the Unking and pleasing evidences which present them
selves, not only of confidence in the government, but of resource
in the community.
In the interval of your recess, due attention has been paid to the
execution of the different obje&s which were specially provided
for by the laws and resolutions of the last fefiion.
Among the most important ot these, is the defence and security
of the Weftem Frontiers. To accomplilh it on the most humane
principles, was a primary with.
Accordingly, at the fame time, that treaties have been provi
sionally concluded, and other proper means used to attach the wa
vering and to confirm in their fricndihip, the well.disposed tribes
of Indians—effe&ual meaCures have been adopted to make those
of a hostile deCcription sensible, that a pacification was deli red
upon terms of moderation and justice.
These mea Cures having proved unfuccefstul, it became neceflary
to convince the refra&ory of the power of the United States to
puniih their depredations. Offenfive operations have therefore
been dire&ed ; to be conduced, however, as consistently as pofli
ble with the dictates of humanity. Some of these have been
crowned with full success, and others are yet depending. The ex
peditions which have been completed, were carried on under the
authority, and at the expence of the United States, by the Militia
of Kentucky ; whose entcrprife, intrepidity and good conduit,are
entitled to peculiar commendation.
Overtures of peace are Hill continued to the deluded tribes, and
confideiable numbers of individuals belonging to them have latel)
renounced all further opposition, removed from theii former (itu
aiiom, and placed themfclves under the immediate prote&ion of
the United States,
It is sincerely to be desired, that all need of coercion, in future,
may cease; and that an intimate intercom fe may succeed ; calcu
lated to advance the happiness of the Indians, and to attach them
firmly to the United States.
In order io this, it seems neccflary,
1 hat ihey should experience the benefits of an impartial dispensa
tion of justice.
That the mode of alienating their lands, the main source of dis
content and war, should be so defined and regulated, as to ob
viate imposition, and, as far as may be pra£ticable, controversy
concerning the reality, and extent of the alienations which are
made.
That commerce with them (hould be promoted under regulations
tending to secure an equitable deportment towards them, and
that such rational experiments should be made, for imparting
to them the bleflings of civilization, as may, from time to time,
suit their condition.
That the Executive of the United States should be enabled to em
ploy the means to which the Indians have been long accustom
ed for uniting their immediate interests with the preservation
of peace.
And, that efficacious provision should be made for infli&mg ade
quate penalties upon all those who, by violating their rights,
ihall infringe the treaties, and endanger the peace of the Union.
A lyftem correiponding with the mild principles of religion
and philanthropy towaids an unenlightened race of men, whose
happiness materially depends on the conduct of the United States,
would be as honorable to the national character as conformable to
the dictates of found policy. a
The powers specially veiled in me by the a£l laying certain du
ties on diftilied Ipirits, which refpeft the subdivisions of the dif
tri&s into surveys, the appointment of officers, and the aflignment
of compensations, have likewise been carried into effefi:.—ln a
matter in which both mateiials and experience were wanting to
guide the calculation, it will be readily conceived that there must
have been difficulty in such an adjustment of the rates of compeu
lation as would conciliate a rcafonable competency with a proper
regard to the limits prefcribcd by the law. It is hoped that the
circuinfpeftion which has been used will be found in the result to
have secured the l?ft of the two objects; but it is probable, that
with a view to the fir ft, in fomc inltances, a revision of the provi
sion will be found advifeable.
The impreflions with which ihis law has been received by the
community have been, upon the whole, such as were to be exped
c ' among; enlightened and well disposed citizens, from the pro
priety and neceflity of the mcafure.—The novelty however of the
tax m a considerable part of the United States, and a misconcepti
on of some of its provisions, have given occ > r6pn in particular plac
es to some degree of difcontcnt.—But it is fatisfaclory to know
tnat this disposition yields to proper explanations and more just
2ppreht*nfions of the true nature of the law. And I entertain a
u ' co,l fidence, that it will, in ill, give way to motives which a
r> eont of a just fenfc of duty, and a virtuous regard to the public
welfare.
If there are any circumftanccs in the law, which, confidently
*uh its main design, may be so varipd as to remove any well in-
objcftions, that may happen to exist, it will consist with
•u 1 e moderation ro make the proper variations. It is desirable,
'II oceafions, to unite wth a ftcady and firm adherence to con
■tiit jonnl and neccffaiy efts of government, the tulleft evidence of
a ' po.nion, as far as may be practicable, to confulr the wishes of
3rt °' l^C communt y> to lav the* foundations of the
P u icadminiftration in the affe&ions of the people.
fh' A ,0 aut h° r »'y contained in the fevera\ a&s on that
u jeet a dftri£lx>f ten miles square for the permanent feat of the
£ v, , nment of the United States has been fixed, and announced
f, v reclamation ; which diftritt will comprehend lands on both
sn f the River Potowmac and the towns of Alexandiia and
' 0V n * A city hasalfo been laid out agreeably to a clan
'» w;Ji be p.accd before Congress : And as there is a prolpeft
I favored by the rate of files which have already taken pi ice, of am
cJerv A Carry, f g L ° n the neceffar V public buildings, there is
every expectation of their dueprogrefs.
vi COmp 'j tlO , n °/- the Census 01 the inhabitants, for which pro-
iaS ">!■ if h J ' has been du 'V not 'fi c d (excepting one in
it h,. k" lcl ? th ? return has been informal,and another in which
Whn ecn ° mlttc , d > ? r rnifcarried) and the returnj of the officers
no were charged with this duty, which will be laid before vou,
.: jS ,ve y®"'ne plciifingalfurancc that the present population of
> United Mates borders on four millions of peifons.
t is proper also to inform you that a further loan of two railli
has been completed in Holland ; the
terms of which nie funiW to those of the one last announced, ex-
J.' pt as to a fmalli reduction of charges. Another on like terms
"u ri-" ° i f '""" s h,i<l k"" k' on toot "ider circum
es that allured an immediate completion.
Gentlemen of t.hi Senate.
wo Treaties which have been provisionally concluded with the
lerokees and fix nations of Indians, wiil be laid before you for
your conuderation, and ratification.
Gentlemen of thf. House of Representatives.
in entering upon the dtfchatge of your legislative trust, youmuft
anticipate with pleasure, that many of the difficulties, necessarily
incident 10 the firll arrangements of a new government, lor an
exten.ive country, have been happily surmounted by the zealous
and judicious exertions of your predecefTors in co-operation with
»ie ocuer ranch of the legislature. The important objc&s,
v.h'ch remain to be accompli.'hed, will, I am perluaded, *be con
ducted upon principles equally co.nprehenlWe, and equally well
calculated tor the advancement of the general weal.
Fne time-limited for receiving fußferiptions to the loans pro
piled by the adt making pvovifion for the debt of the United
Sates having expired,flatements from the proper department will,
as loon as possible, a:>prifc you of the exa£l result. Enough how
ei er is already known, to afford an allurance that the views of
that afi have been fubftant'tally fulfilled. The fubfenption in the
d' »nv iiic debt of the United Stares has embraced by far the great
elt proportion of that debt ; affording at the fame time^proof
0 the general fatisfaClion of the public creditors with the
ft stem which has been proposed to their acceptance, and of the
ipirit o( accommodation to the convenience of the government
with which they are actuated. The fubferiptions in the debts of
tit .* relpcfliye States, as far as the provilious of the law have per
muted, may be said to be universal. The part of the debt
01 the United Staie>, whicii remains unfubferibed, will naturally
engage your further deliberations.
It is particularly pleating to me to be able to announce to you,
that the i even lies which have been ellabliOicd promifeto be ade
quate to their obje&s ; and may be permitted, if no unforefeen ex-
igency occurs, to fupei fede for the prcfent the neceflity of any new
b irthens upon our constituents.
An objrft which will claim your early attention is a provision
for the current service »f the ensuing year, together with such af
ccrtained demands upon the Trcafuiyas require to beimmediatc
lv discharged, and such casualties as may have arisen in the execu
tion of the public business, for which no fpecific appropriation
may have yet been made ; ol ail which a proper estimate will be
laid before you.
Gentlemen of the Senate and
House of Representatives,
I shall content mvfelf with a general reference to former com
munications for several obje£ls, upon which the urgency of other
affairs has hitherto poftponcd any definitive resolution. Their im
portance will recal them to your attention ; and 1 trust that the
p-ogrefs already made in the most arduous arrangements of the
government, will afford you leifureto resume them with advan-
There are, however, fame of them of wtrich I cannot forbear a
more particular mention.—Thele aie the Militia, the Poft-Olfice,
and Port Roads—tl)e Mint, Weights and Measures—a provision
for the sale ot the vacant Lands o* the United States.
The firft is certainly an object of primary importance, whether
viewed in reference to the national lecurity, to the faiisfaftion of
the community, or to the preservation of order.—ln connexion
v. ith this, theeftablifhmcnt of competent magazines and arsenals,
and the fortification of luch places as are peculiarly important and
vulnerable, naturally ptefent themselves to confederation. The
fafely of the United States under divine protection ought to reft on
the basis of systematic and solid arrangements ; exposed as little
as to the hazards of fortuitous circumstances.
The importance of the Poft-Office and Poll Roads on a plan
fufficiently liberal and comprehensive, as they refpe& the expedi
tion, l'afety, and facility of communication, is increased by the
instrumentality in diffufing a knowledge of the laws and pro
ceedings of the government; which, while it contributes to the
fecuritv of the people, serves also to guard them against the effctts
of misrepresentation and misconception. The establishment of
additional cro'.s Posts, efpeciaMy to some of the important points
in the Weitern and Northern parts of the Union cannot fail to be
of material utility.
The disorders in the existing currency, and especially the fcar
cityoffmall change, a scarcity so peculiarly diftrefling to the
poorer classes, strongly recommend the carrying into immediate
etfett the rcfolution already entered into concerning the establish
ment of a Mint. Measures have been taken pursuant to that reso
lution for procuring some of the raoft neceflaiy artists together
with the requisite apparatus.
An uniformity in the Weights and Measures of the country is
among the important objetts submitted to you by the conftitu-tion,
and if it can be derived from a standard at once invariable and
universal, must be no less honorable to the public councils, than
conducive to the public convenience.
A provision for the sale of the vacant Landsof the United States
is particularly urged, among other reasons, by the important con
siderations that they are pledged as a fund for reimbursing the pub
lic debt; that if timely and judiciously applied, they may save
the neceflity of burtheoing our citizens with new taxes for the ex
tinguishment of the principal; and that being free to discharge
the principal but in a limited proportion no opportunity ought
to be loft for availing the public of its right.
G. WASHINGTON.
United States, October 25, 1791
P R O V I D E N C E, October 15
PIRACY
The St. Euftatia Gazette of the i6ih ulr. con
tains the following Advertisement—" Last night
was run away with, the Sloop POLLY, of Provi-
dence. Rhode-liland, by her Mate, named Wil
liam Round, and a young Man called Sim—
She had on board 22 hogflieads and 6 barrels of
sugar, 21 cases of gin, 30 barrels of beef, and in
the Captain's chelt between 14CO and ijco dol
lais. Round is about 5 feet 6 inches high, a flout
well made fellow ; and Sam is about 5 feet 3 inch
es high, a dull heavy fellow. ihe Sloop is a
large black New-England built veflel. Four hun
dred dollars reward is offered by Hardtman and
Clarkfon, of Sc. Euftatia, for recovering the vcf
fel and securing the pirates.—N. B. The Captain
207
of the Sloop is Richard Low, who has her regis
ter and papers."
[ The above Sloop belongs to Meflis. Brown &
Francis, of this Town, who will pay the above
mentioned reward of four hundred dollars for
the lloop and cargo, and one hundred dollars so
the mate.—He is an active man, of a fair com
plexion, has long black hair, speaks very quick,
and calls hi in felt a Boftonian, though his pro
nunciation resembles that of air Irirtiman. He
married in Boston, where his vfiifer' now lives.
On the Portage-Bill he figrted hiVname' Natha
niel Rounds. "I
Philadelphia, O&ober 26.
Friday afternoon arrived in town, from his feat in Braintree
Massachusetts, the Vice-President of the United States his
Lady and Family. '
The Vice-President has taken the lioufe lately in the occupation
of the Hon. Judge .Bradford, the corucr of Fourth and Mulberry
1 lie people of the United States justly appreciate the superior
advantages they enjoy nnder the auspices of their present Govern,
ment. This Government is founded on the principles of justice
and freedom. It secures to every man the full possession of the
produce of his indnftry, and l'acrcdly guards the social and per.
l.onal rights of every citizen.
A confidence in the administration of this Government pervades
all classes and denominations of men—this has animated every fa
culty of the human mind to exertion—and so fully convinced are
the people of the unlpeakable importance of peace and domestic
tranquility to the public profpeiity and happiness, that we mav
justly anticipate a long succession of years in which those princi
ples, essentially connected with our national felicity and honour
ihall be maturing to a state of perfe&ion, hitherto unknown. '
I he Piefident of ihe United States, we arc well allured, expreffr d
preat fat.sfatfion at the punctuality wiih which the Meinbeis of
t ie National Lcgidature have taken their feats the present fdllou.
Some ft futures in the Englifli papers on the
Riots at Birmingham, reprelent theperfousprin
cipally active in those fceues of devastation, as
ignorant, savage and ferocious—This exhibits a
most gloomy piclure of the state of society in re
fpetl to the poor of that country—and suggests
some ufeful ideas to the legifl3tors of a free peo
ple*—lt fliews (he infinite importance of diflemi
nating knowledge among all classes of a commu
nity, particularly the poor. '
It is by force alone that an ignorant herd can
be governed—but when the judgment is regular
ed by reason, and the understanding is properly
enlightened, the people need only to be inform
ed of their duty, and obedience to the laws fol
lows of course.
The duties of society are performed with chear
fulnefs, when the people a<2 from the impulfeof
duty, and the dilates of an enlightened mind.
But the outrages of an ignorant multitude can
only be checlied by the interpolition of the mili
tary—Hence we fee that no riot can be quelled
in England without an armed force.
ExtraCt of a litter from Clafgow, July 2 S.
" There is a fine profpe<ft of a plentiful harvefl
both in Britain and Ireland—the crop in Franca
this year has been exceedingly good, and all <r o t
fafe in—from Poland and the Baltic, the grana
ries of Europe, the profpecfl is equally favorable.
If the war should he finilhed this year betweeii
the Turks and Ruffians, grain will be very low in
Europe.
" The United States will never find such a sure
and certain market for their grain as by eucou
raging manufactories. This will be a market at
tended with no riiks, nor liable to the regulation
of no foreign prince. In (hot t, if peace is restor
ed in Europe, it is doubtful if there will be occa
sion for a single cargo of American wheat. By
encouraging manufactories so much in Britain
all that the country grows ia consumed at home." '
PRICE CURRENT.—PUBLIC SECURITIES
FUNDED DEBT.
6 pr. Cents 22f V',£.
3 pr. Cents 12/6
Defercd 6 pr. Cents 13_/4
UNFUNDED DEBT.
Final Settl. and other Cenificartes 16/8 17/ 85 do
n ,■ 10 / 6 5*4 do.'
Bank. Sublcriptions, 1?0 Dollars.
MASSACHUSETTS SEMI-ANNUAL LOTTERY
Class Second.
r ~T , HIS Class will positively commence drawing on Thurfdav
A the 24th of November next, at 4 o'clock, P. M. which will
be completed with all expedition. The Managers pledgethem
fc Ives that no conlideration whatever shall induce them to postpone
the drawing a moment beyond that time.
liofton, O&ober 15, 1791.
PRINTS OK THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
'""I "'HE fubferibers to the Prints of the Battle of Bunker's Hill*
X and Ihe attack of Quebec, are informed, that Ktchii.es of
th„fc Prints are to be seen at Mr. Anthony's, Jeweller, in Mar
kei-ltreet (where may also be seen an Etching ot Mr Copley'l
celebrated Print of the Death of Loid Chatham.)
The fubfeription for this work (which has hitherto been confin
rd to Amenta) will be opened on the .ft of January next, in the
.nopal cues of Europe : Those Gentlemen therefore who mav
with to pofiefs early, and of course valuable impression. are re
qucfted to avail themfclves of this interval, in which a preference
i» Itil 1 given to America. „
Subscriptions are received by Mr. Trumbull, and by Mr
Anthony, Jeweller, Philadelphia; Mr. Daniil Pt,.,,,/
Water.ftrcet, New-York; Mr. W.LtUM V.
Mr.J*. Hazhhuist, Cliarlefton, South-Carolina.
(p - The price to fubferibers is Three Guineas for each Print—
Philadelphia, O&ober 24,1791
»io pr. cent.
do.
66J do.